Uterine contractions (i.e., uterine contractions) start out irregularly with weak intensity, then gradually become regular and stronger, with longer duration and shorter intervals, such as an interval of 2-3 minutes and lasting 50-60 seconds.
2. What does contractions feel like?
Irregular contractions occur in the last few months of pregnancy, especially the last few weeks. After fetal movement, as long as you put your hand on your abdomen, you will feel your abdomen become hard from time to time. These contractions are irregular, non-periodic, and painless.
When the due date arrives, only painful uterine contractions are a sign of labor. When uterine contractions begin, some women feel pain in their abdomen, while others feel pain in their waist. You must not be nervous or afraid because of pain. In fact, mild uterine contractions can be felt at all or be the same as lower abdominal pain during menstruation. The intensity of pain varies from person to person. This is the same situation when contractions give you mild pain. The intensity of pain varies from person to person. When uterine contractions cause mild pain, the pain gradually intensifies after a period of time, the intermission period is shortened, and the pain duration is prolonged. Uterine contractions come in waves, bursts of pain spread to the lower abdomen, or there is soreness in the back and a feeling of defecation in the lower back. This contraction of the uterus is in preparation for the birth of the baby. So this little pain is nothing. As long as you cooperate with the doctor and use the breathing exercises you have practiced to coordinate with the contractions, you can give birth smoothly.
3. The difference between false shrinkage and true shrinkage
A few weeks before delivery, the uterine muscles are relatively sensitive, and irregular uterine contractions may occur that are short in duration, weak, or limited to the lower part of the uterus. It stops again after a few hours, the cervix cannot open, and labor has not started. This is called false contractions. Uterine contractions are regular during childbirth. The initial interval is approximately every 10 minutes. Pregnant women feel abdominal pain, and then the duration of pain gradually extends to 40 to 60 seconds. The degree also increases and the interval shortens, about 3 to 5 minutes. When your uterus contracts and you experience abdominal pain, your lower abdomen may feel hard.
4. What should I pay attention to if uterine contractions are frequent?
Contractions start about a month before delivery. Some people don\’t feel it at first. They can only feel contractions when they touch their belly with their hands, while pregnant mothers will feel the contractions becoming more and more frequent. Generally when calculating contractions, if the number of contractions per hour is about 10, it is more frequent. You should go to the hospital in time and take some drugs that inhibit uterine contraction under the guidance of a doctor to prevent premature birth.
If the contractions are not very frequent and there is no abdominal pain, just rest.
It is important to note that you should not self-medicate. Medication generally cannot relieve pain. Pregnant mothers should pay attention to rest at this time, especially not to stimulate the abdomen. If uterine contractions are accompanied by strong abdominal pain, such as severe pain that affects work and life, you need to go to the hospital for treatment.
5. Solutions when shrinkage occurs
First, lie on your back, close your eyes, and breathe deeply through your nose
2. Breathe deeply through your mouth and relax your abdomen
Third, after inhaling through your nose, hold your breath, and then exhale long.
6. How does the husband help the expectant mother to get through the pain of contractions?
1. Thought transfer during pain
Every expectant mother experiences contractions. Contractions are uncomfortable and everyone feels the pain. When contractions begin, each contraction is shorter and the time between contractions is longer. The contractions then become longer, shorter, and more painful. This pain can last a long time. At this time, it is useless for the husband to tell jokes to his wife, because she will not laugh at all.
Homework preparation:
If your husband wants to know what pregnant women most want to do with the people around them when they are in pain, you might as well ask your mother and mother-in-law. Their personal experiences will definitely inspire you.
2. Relax your wife’s body
It is normal for your wife\’s abdominal muscles to tense up during uterine contractions. At this time, other parts of the body should be relaxed as much as possible, which requires the help of the husband.
Intermittent contractions last 8-10 hours. In the early stages of contractions, the wife does not need to be hospitalized. The environment at home can make her feel better. Her body will need some support, such as a pillow or backrest, when she sits or lies down. The husband ensures that his wife\’s elbows, legs, waist, and neck are supported and checks that all parts of her body are completely relaxed. The wife may not be able to take this into consideration, or even be too lazy to speak. The husband should take the initiative to help. When arriving at the hospital, the husband should always pay attention to whether his wife is lying (sitting) comfortably.
If the wife feels tense due to pain, the husband can take her to take a deep breath and remind her some relaxation points. A husband can also give his wife a massage to relieve her tension and discomfort during childbirth.
Homework preparation:
Learn to know whether every part of your wife\’s body is tense or relaxed.
Practice massage. The wife can give her husband a massage first. Once your husband has received a massage, he will know what kind of massage is most comfortable and effective. Next, the husband can try to give his wife a massage, and both parties can exchange opinions on the massage, so that the husband\’s massage skills will gradually improve.